Incubating Question

Hi i am new to the incubating thing i usually just order day old chicks but i am wanting to incubate a few eggs so my children can learn from the process. My question is how do i go about doing it i have an incubator and turner when are they supose to go on lock down and when do you turn the turner off and take it out of the incubator. also someone told me that i can use eggs that has been in the fridge for a few days is that true

1. on the 18th day (for most breeds of chickens, seramas on the 17th day) you will remove the turner (brinsea take the incubator off of the turner) you will set your eggs in your incubator. I generally candle mine at this stage for the final pull. After that you will make sure your water device (wells, trays, sponges, towels or what ever you use to raise the humidity) are set. You will then close the incubator. AND SIT ON YOUR HANDS! Remember it will take 24 hours on average after you see the first pip before zipping actually happens.

2. Cold eggs are usable. BUT! you need to bring the eggs to room temperture first. The best way is small end down in an egg carton. Keep them out of direct sunlight, just allow them to return to room temp. If you are going to set in the evening, I would take them out in the morning and let them sit out all day. The viability of a hatching egg will deminish the older the egg is so Don't let them sit in the fridge too long and don't let them get too cold.